- October 3, 2024
- Attorney Matt Stoddard
- Motorcycle Accidents
Accepting a motorcycle accident settlement for your damages is a decision that can impact your life forever. An offer that is too low can prevent you from receiving the ongoing care your body and mind need from such a traumatic event.
A Georgia motorcycle accident lawyer has experience working on behalf of victims and will manage the intricate details of a lawsuit so their client can focus on healing.
If you suffered severe or catastrophic injuries in a motorcycle accident, you may want to schedule a free consultation as soon as possible.
What Happens 1-3 Months Following the Accident?
Your accident is just the start of your journey.
The one to three months following a motorcycle accident are ones generally full of medical appointments, procedures, and recovery. Medical care is a top priority and requires as much rest and as little stress as possible.
Accident victims are at a disadvantage when it comes to personal injury claims. Medications, surgeries, and other healthcare needs make it challenging to navigate the claim process.
As the responsible party’s insurer prepares to defend their client and to underpay or deny you, the victim, what you deserve, you can fight back. Contacting a Georgia motorcycle accident attorney soon after your crash makes you better prepared for the civil process. Your attorney can investigate, negotiate, and communicate with you from Day One.
You must begin protecting your best interests within the one to three months following your accident. Having an attorney in your corner as you recover from your painful injuries is vital for your fight for justice and compensation.
The Motorcycle Accident Claim Legal Process
Navigating the process takes skill and experience.
Filing a personal injury claim for your damages is not as simple as it sounds. The process involves more than completing a form.
Motorcycle accident victims who seek compensation for damages from the responsible party’s insurer typically face a challenge. Insurers are quick to protect their policyholders rather than your best interests. Georgia motorcycle attorneys have experience negotiating with insurance companies. These attorneys professionally and firmly fight for what their clients deserve.
Motorcycle victims often face lengthy recoveries, while some suffer permanent injuries. Compensation must cover such damages as:
- Lost wages: A traumatic motorcycle crash can delay a return to work.
- Loss of future earnings: Some motorcycle accident victims are unable to return to work due to their extensive injuries.
- Medical expenses: An attorney fights to cover these unfair and unexpected bills, from immediate trauma care to your current medical costs.
- Ongoing medical expenses: Medical bills for continuing care such as physical or other therapies, medications, and care needs.
- Pain and suffering: The mental anguish caused by the reckless actions of the other driver is stressful and worthy of accountability.
While the damages in motorcycle accidents are similar, the effect on one’s life is deeply personal and unique. There is no “one size fits all” regarding compensation and settlements.
Navigating the legal process with a motorcycle accident attorney makes the claim process smoother. If you suffered severe injuries due to a careless driver, consider consulting with a Georgia motorcycle attorney today.
Trial and Appeal Process
An attorney can manage the complex next steps.
A motorcycle accident case may go to trial. Specific conditions of a claim and about the accident can contribute to such a legal move. For example, if the negotiation process is going nowhere, your lawyer may think your case will have a better outcome if presented before a judge and jury.
Filing your motorcycle accident lawsuit within the required statute of limitations is imperative and a task best left to your lawyer. In Georgia, that timeline is typically two-years although it could be longer or shorter depending on the circumstances of each case. If you miss the timeline requirement for filing, you may miss your chance of getting compensation forever.
A Georgia motorcycle accident lawyer with trial experience will present your case compellingly before the court. If necessary, they can manage the appeal process following the outcome of your trial.
Factors That Influence Timeline and Settlement
Negligence and liability are two influencing factors.
As much as you may want it, there is no quick solution to your situation. However, your attorney will work diligently to promptly move your case to a fair resolution.
The timelines of your case and any possible settlement depend upon such factors as:
- Accident investigation
- Evidence collection
- Cause determination
- Filing of a claim or lawsuit
- Negligence and liability
- One party or multiple parties.
A motorcycle accident may have multiple contributing — and therefore liable — parties. Some examples are defective brakes, a distracted driver, or a combination of the two. Both the brake manufacturer and the driver may face liability for a victim’s damages.
Determining what went wrong, identifying all liable parties, and proceeding accordingly take time. Whether your case has a few contributing factors or multiple ones, you deserve a fair settlement, no matter how long it takes.
When to Consider Settlement
Most motorcycle accident cases are settled outside of court.
While a settlement is never promised or guaranteed, hiring an attorney protects you from accepting less than you deserve. An initial offer from an insurance company may tempt you. However, motorcycle accident victims must understand the finality of accepting such an offer. A settlement is a one-and-done decision. Having a Georgia motorcycle attorney by your side is critical as you decide whether to accept a settlement offer.
An initial settlement offer may serve as a temporary solution to your financial stress, but it most likely is not enough to cover your future medical care needs if you have severe injuries.
Alone and in a hospital bed is not the time to accept a settlement offer. You need an attorney by your side to help determine whether acceptance is the best choice.
Georgia Motorcycle Accident Attorney
The Stoddard Firm helps victims pursue justice.
A motorcycle ride should not end in life-altering injuries. For some operators and their passengers, the injuries are not survivable. In such cases, the victim’s family sometimes pursues a wrongful death lawsuit.
At The Stoddard Firm, we believe those who fail to share the road must face accountability. Poor choices such as speeding, drinking and driving, and driving while distracted result in negligence when it comes to motorcycle accident injuries.
You do not have to fight alone. Contact The Stoddard Firm today for help with your Georgia motorcycle accident lawsuit. Call (470) 467-2200 to schedule your free consultation.